How the Sens can crush the Pens

via B_Hurdis

The playoffs are kicking off tonight, and the talking heads have had their say. Few are picking the Sens to really challenge the Pens in the first round. Almost every prognosticator, regardless of the team they chose say this series ends in 6 games. Most, including the formerly bias Ian Mendes, are saying that Ottawa gives the Pens a run, but Pittsburgh comes out on top. But, there's also the belief that if Ottawa plays this series right, they can move on to the second round. Here's how they do it:

The primary focus of every "expert" is Sidney Crosby. Crosby, they say, is an immovable object; an unstoppable force. And against most of the league, that's true. But, here's Crosby's stat line against the Sens this year:

vs. Ottawa 4 0 3 3 -3 2 12 0.0 0 2 0 0 0 0 21:19 28:25

That's 3 assists, with 12 shots on goal over 4 games averaging 21:19 on ice.

That's an impressive stat line if you're Ottawa, but what does it mean? Well, it means taking Crosby out of the equation is a simple formula that's hard to succeed at. First, you need to make him play defensively. That means matching him up against your top line. Second, you have to limit his shooting avenues. That means keeping him to the outside and making sure you have back pressure from your forwards. You can't let the 80 year old Bill Guerin beat you up the ice if you're Jason Spezza, or Daniel Alfredsson, or whoever gets thrown onto the other wing. Simple enough. Keep Sid to the outside and clog the middle of the ice with backchecking forwards.

Obviously the first two games will be difficult in that regard because the Pens will have last change. The 2nd period, with the long change will be especially hard. That means constant awareness by every player. The matchup in this series is very important. But, as the Sens have proven so far this year Sid can be shut down if everyone is on their game.

Stopping Sid from scoring is possible, but you still have to manage to score your own goals. Marc-Andre Fleury has proven over the last two years that he is an elite goalie come playoff time, so how do you beat him?

In order to prove my point, here's a goal map from Ottawa's 6-2 win over the Pens earlier this year:

Mike Hoffman: Ottawa Senators Prospect/Scouting Report

I had the chance to check out Saint John Sea Dogs star forward and Ottawa Senators prospect, Mike Hoffman at the Rob Guertin Arena in Gatineau tonight. Hoffman did not disappoint.

Mike Hoffman is a 20-year old native of Kitchener, Ontario. He was drafted 130th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2009. Considering his late round status, I really didn't go into the game expecting much.

Boy was I wrong. Mike Hoffman was all over the ice tonight. He was playing the point on the power play, taking faceoffs and even playing along the wing. Hoffman's skating and hard shot are two things that stood out the most.

Everything about Hoffman's skating impressed me. Not only was he fast, but he had very quick feet. His mobility was phenomenal - his footwork, his pivots, and over all his agility were all signs that complement the argument that his skating is already at the NHL standards.

Hoffman also showcased his shot. He had a great slapshot and an even better wrist shot. Not only was the shot quick and hard, but it was, for the most part, very accurate. He is was a great addition on the point for the Sea Dog's powerplay.

I wouldn't consider Hoffman a gritty player, but he sure doesn't shy away from physical play. If he could add a few more pounds and a few more muscles during the off season, I feel this could elevate his game to a whole new level.

Another positive was Hoffman's great vision and his hockey IQ. Hoffman was very aware of where his teammates were and tried to put himself in positions to open lanes and create more open ice.

Sens sign Bobby Butler

Photo via www.bostonjuniorbruins.com

The Ottawa Senators have officially signed University of New Hampshire star, Bobby Butler to a two year entry-level contract. It is a two-way contract with $9K cap hit.

Butler, native of Marlborough, MA ringing in at 6’ and 185lbs. He is a Hobey Baker Award finalist and is the top NCAA scorer for the 2009-10 season with 29 goals in 39 games. Butler is eligible to play for the Senators this season, but is unable to suit up in the NHL playoffs*. Bryan Murray has publicly stated that Butler will see some playing time eventually in the last few games of the regular season – possible as early as Thursday when the Senators face the Carolina Hurricane at Scotiabank Place.
*note: The Ottawa Citizen is claiming he is eligible for the NHL playoffs. I’m guessing it is some exception or because it is an ELC rather than the usual contract. If anyone knows, please comment!

I’m not going to claim to know about Bobby Butler as I have really been slacking on keeping up with college hockey news in the last few seasons. I decided to do some research instead and here is what I came up with.

Butler was eligible for the NHL draft back in 2007. Hockey’s Future did a brief scouting report on him from a review of the top 20 eligible NCAA players. Please note this is from his first season with University of New Hampshire (UNH).

2006-07 season: Bobby Butler may be the best Wildcats player that almost no one talked about this season. His contributions and ability to "fill some holes" on the New Hampshire roster throughout the year have helped the team earn another trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Marlboro, MA native registered 12 points (nine goals, three assists) in 38 games this season. His most memorable game came on Mar. 16 in the Hockey East semi-final thriller versus UMass. In that contest, Butler tallied the game-winner in double overtime.

Talent Analysis: Butler is budding two-way power forward with great hands and a powerful shot. One of his strongest assets is his playmaking ability, whether it's setting up a potential goal or making a nice outlet pass from the defensive zone. He makes very good decisions with the puck and also has the ability to make those around him better. As good as Butler is offensively, he is almost equally as good defensively, particularly on the penalty kill. Though he is strong on his skates and moves well, Butler is neither the prettiest nor quickest skater out there. That should improve over time.